Growth and Yield of Seedless Watermelon Plants in Response to Soil Amendment Application

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the effect of soil amendment concentration on the growth and yield of seedless watermelon plants. This research was carried out at the agricultural land that located in Kumendung Village, Muncar District, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. Four soil amendment concentrations (P1: 7.5 ml/liter, P2: 10 ml/liter, P3: 12.5 ml/liter, P4: 15 ml/liter) were tested on 132 watermelon plants in a randomized block experimental design. The results showed that the concentration of soil amendment affected the nutrient content of the soil with the highest concentrations in P1 and P3. Even though soil pH is relatively stable, the concentration of soil amendment affects the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content in the soil. In terms of plant growth, P3 concentration consistently provide a better plant height at various stages of observation. The fruit yield is also affected by the used of concentration of soil amendment, P3 treatment produces the highest fruit weight and fruit yield of P1 concentration have the highest level of sweetness. Based on the observation results, application of the right soil amendment concentration will increase growth and yield of seedless watermelon, which in this study the best yield obtained with P3 (12.5 ml/liter) application. These results could give an important implication to improving the productivity of seedless watermelon cultivation, especially in areas that have less fertile soil, such as Kumendung Village, Banyuwangi.